ROSELAND, NJ - Roseland Boro will be hosting their fifth annual blood drive to honor the events of 9/11. Anyone interested in donating blood is invited to drop in at Borough Hall for "Roseland Remembers 9/11" on Friday, Sept. 11, between the hours of 1pm and 7pm. Prospective donors must bring with them a signed identification card or a photo ID. The event is organized each year by a committee led by Lisa Loprete-Duthie.

Donors who wish to schedule a specific appointment so they can be sure they will be seen right away should call 201-251-3703. Borough Hall is located at 19 Harrison Avenue, Roseland.

“I will be donating blood again this year on Friday and I encourage others to do the same,” stated Roseland Mayor John Duthie. "We, as a community, never must forget the heinous events inflicted upon our country on September 11, 2001."

Credit: Lisa Loprete-Duthie

Blood Donation ProcessThe event will be organized by Community Blood Services which supplies blood and blood products to more than 30 hospitals in the New Jersey-New York region. The donation process includes registration, a brief medical screening, the blood collection and time for refreshments afterward. The entire time needed usually takes about one hour.

Sterile disposable equipment is employed to take each donor’s blood with a brand new needle for each blood donation. There is no risk of getting any disease from giving blood; once the blood is taken, the needle is destroyed.

Donors must be 17 years old, or 16 with parental permission; at age 76 a donor must provide a recent letter from a doctor indicating they are capable of donating a pint of blood

Must be a minimum weight of 110 pounds; there is no maximum limit

Must be in general good health and not have a cold, flu or sore throat at the time of donation

Must be eight weeks since the time of the last blood donation

Anyone with any type of body piercing or tattoo may donate provided the procedure was done under sterilized conditions. If it was not, the person must wait one year before donating blood.

Medical Screening Process

At the registration desk, a medical technician will take a drop of the donor’s blood and check their hemoglobin level to ensure that they have enough to donate and their cholesterol and glucose levels will also be evaluated

Additionally, each donor’s blood pressure will be taken and will need to be within the acceptable range of 180/100. Each donor will later be mailed a blood donor card with their blood type and cholesterol level printed on it.

All males age 40 and older may also request a complimentary and simple PSA Test to screen for prostate cancer.

Vaccine Waiting PeriodFlu, Tetanus and Lyme vaccines have no waiting period at all. There is a three day waiting period for donors who receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. There is a 30 day waiting period for those donors who have had the following vaccinations:

Chicken Pox

Measles

Mumps

Rubella

Medications Not PermittedAnyone on medication will need to provide its name so the healthcare professional can evaluate it. Persons who are using the following medications will not be permitted to donate blood:

Absorica

Accutane

Acitretin

Amnesteem

Avodart

Claravis

Clopidogrel

Coumadin

Dutasteride

Etretinate

Finasteride

Insulin

Isotretinoin

Jalyn

Jantoven

Plavix

Propecia

Proscar

Soriatane

Sotret

Tegison

Warfarin

Travel RestrictionsDue to concerns over Malaria and Mad Cow Disease, those who have traveled to the following locations will be screened and possibly deferred:

Haiti and parts of the Dominican RepublicMust wait one year from the time of travel before donating

United Kingdom(England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands)Anyone who lived in the above locations, for a total of three months or more, from 1980 to 1996 is not eligible to donate blood

How the Blood is UsedPrior to its being used, the blood donation undergoes rigorous testing procedures. In addition to blood typing, the tests include screening for hepatitis, syphilis, and HIV. One unit of blood can be separated into red cells, platelets, and plasma and may end up going to three separate individuals:

Red blood cellsused to treat patients who are anemic

Plateletsused to help treat patients with leukemia

Plasmaused to treat patients in shock due to fluid loss as a result of burns

“I am grateful to my wife Lisa who has organized the Roseland Remembers 9/11 blood drives for five years now,” Duthie expressed.“I cannot think of a better way to honor those who lost their lives and those whose lives will be forever affected by these tragic events than to try to save a life today.”

ORANGE, NJ - During the month of September, Essex County is offering a free Yoga Class every Monday evening, suitable for both beginners and seasoned yoga practitioners. The class takes place from 6:30pm to 7:45pm, rain or shine, on the Clipper Pavilion Waterfront in South Mountain Reservation, and no registration is required. All are asked to bring a yoga mat and dress in comfortable clothing.

DATESFree Yoga Classes every Monday evening at 6:30pm throughout the month of September:

WEST CALDWELL, NJ - The West Essex First Aid Squad will be hosting a Blood Drive Wednesday, July 29, from 3pm to 8pm, at the squad house. The blood drive will be administered by Community Blood Services and donors will need to supply their social security number on their initial visit or their blood donor ID number. Donors who provide their email address will receive an email in a few days which lists their blood type, glucose and cholesterol results.

"Very little changes after giving blood," a spokesperson commented. "Your fluid volume is back to normal within 24 hours after you donate. Your white cell count returns to normal within 72 hours. An adult of average weight has about 10 to 12 pints of blood so the one taken is hardly missed."

New Jersey Requirements to Donate BloodIn general, eligible donors must be in good health. Donors also must:

be 17 to 75 years of age; 16-year-olds must have a consent form signed by parent or guardian

weigh at least 110 pounds

wait 8 weeks between blood donations

Donation DeferralsDonors will be deferred from giving blood if:

they have had a teeth cleaning, fillings or x-rays within 24 hours

they have had tooth extraction, root canal or oral surgery within 72 hours

they have a sore throat, productive cough or fever within 72 hours

they have traveled to an area considered endemic to Malaria within the past 12 months

a full list of excluded procedures and medications can be found online here

"There is NO risk of contracting any disease through donating blood," the spokesperson added. "Each donor receives their own sterile blood bag and needle, which is used once, and then safely destroyed."

Donation ExclusionsPersons are not permitted to donate blood in New Jersey if they meet any of the following:

donor has visited Europe for a cumulative total of 5 years or more from 1980 to the present

Guidelines Before Donating Blood

eat meals at usual times

drink plenty of fluids, preferably non-caffeinated

Post-Donation Blood Screening TestsDuring the Blood Drive, blood samples, drawn in separate tubes at the time of donation, will undergo a visual screening for clotting or other abnormalities. In addition, each blood donation is subjected to the following tests:

"Our current blood supply is critically low and we need everyone's help on Wednesday," said West Essex First Aid Squad Captain David Black. "Patients need this blood now.We truly hope people step-up to donate blood and be a community hero. None of us know who is going to need it next."

WEST CALDWELL, NJ - This week, the West Caldwell Care Center is hosting a seminar which will discuss the Veteran Administration's benefit plans. All are welcome at the free event which takes place on Wednesday, July 8, at 2pm, and no registration is needed. The gathering will be held in the second-floor dining room at the center which is located at 165 Fairfield Avenue, West Caldwell.

ROSELAND, NJ - This week, a new set of T’ai Chi Chihclasses will begin at the Roseland Free Public Library. Both new and experienced students are welcome to join the twelve week, two-hour sessions which are taught by Roseland resident and certified T’ai Chi Chih instructor, Lee Bergman. The classes will begin on Tuesday, July 7 and will continue through Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 9:45am to 10:45am. There is no registration required and participants may choose to go as often they like; the fee is $10 per session.

T'ai Chi ChihT'ai Chi Chih is a series of nineteen slow and gentle movements which are based on wellness principles from the Far East. These exercises are designed to circulate and balance the Chi, or energy within, and provide a wealth of health benefits.

Friday, June 26

Essex County - Branch Brook Park ~ The Great Lawn226 Heller ParkwayNew Jersey Symphony Orchestra and Fireworks Display Activities: The Orchestra, under the direction of Conductor Gemma New, will play classical dances from Mozart, Tchaikovsky and Brahms in the first half. Then for a lively second the NJSO will play Swing, Latin, and Pop tunes

Rain Date: In case of rain, the concert will be relocated to an indoor location and the fireworks will be rescheduled at a later date.

Tuesday, June 30

Essex County - Weequahic Park Meeker AvenueShadows of the ‘60s and Fireworks DisplayActivities: Shadows of the ‘60s pays tribute to the tremendous legacy of The Four Tops, The Temptations and the Supremes.

Day Activities 9am to 3pm: Auto Show at High School Parking Lot10am: Patriotic Ceremony and Kiwanis Carnival at Haines PoolBaseball Game at Memorial Park Field10am to 2pm: CBS FM at the Oval11am to 2pm: Livingston Police Child ID ~ High School Cafeteria 11am to 2:30pm: Lion's Club Vision Screenings ~ High School Cafeteria 11am to 3pm: Indoor Mini Golf ~ High School Cafeteria12pm to 3pm: Free Pony Rides at the Oval 12:30pm to 2:30pm: Powerhouse Studio Games ~ High School Cafeteria 2pm: Declaration of Independence at Gazebo 2:30pm to 3:30pm: Ice Cream, Watermelon Eating Contests ~ Cafeteria

Afternoon and Evening Activities ~ Oval3pm to 9pm: Fabulous Food Fest 3:30pm to 7:30pm Bands and Beer Cafe 7:45pm: Main Stage Band Followed by Fireworks

WEST CALDWELL, NJ - This weekend, the West Essex community will come together in an effort to raise money to find a cure for cancer. Formerly the Relay for Life of Caldwell, the Relay for Life of West Essexhas grown into a larger undertaking which now encompasses teams and individuals from all around the West Essex area. Janice Alworth Stickels is directing this year's efforts and is sending a call out to all in the community to participate in the Relay on the day of the event, or to show their support by coming in person to cheer on the walkers. Food will be available for purchase from local restaurants which will be offering refreshments during the occasion. This will be the first year the event takes place from noon until midnight instead of walking overnight as groups have in the past.

So far 17 teams and 128 participants have registered and have raised over $34,400. Anyone can show up at the gathering and join the walkers by making a donation of their choosing; there is no registration fee. Additionally, a host of activities for all ages will take place throughout the day for everyone to come by and enjoy. All monies raised will benefit the American Cancer Society. The relay takes place on Saturday, June 13, from 12pm to 12am, at James Caldwell High School's Bonnel Field, located at 265 Westville Ave, West Caldwell.

Relay for Life of West Essex TeamsSo far, 17 teams and 128 participants have raised over $34,400 for the 2015 fundraising year. Everyone is welcome to come to the walk on the day of the event, make their own donation, and participate as well. Together, all of the team and individual donations raised are collectively donated by Relay for Life of West Essex to the American Cancer Society. The registered teams are as follows:

"When you drive down Westville Avenue on Saturday, you'll see us all out there," Stickels commented. "Feel free to stop over and check it out; you are NOT in any way obligated to participate, we are just really hoping to get the community interested in supporting the teams that are walking."

Registered Individuals ~ anyone is welcome to join them

David Alworth

Diana Abraham

Emily Alworth

Jacqueline Alworth

John Alworth

Katherine Alworth

Stephen Alworth

Sam Austin

Caty Backfisch

Alex Bambrick

Reilly Barnette

Elisa Bash

Betty Lou Bionde

Gary Bionde

Guy Beardslee

Michael Bionde

Jamie Campion

Julia Canale

Madeline Caracappa

Tom Caracappa

Olivia Carrara

Alex Casale

Erica Cerbasio

Kelly Chang

Bridget Cohen

Barbara Cook

Julia D'Aprix

Rebecca Davenport

Barbara Drastal

Alyssa Duren-Lubanski

Julia Duren-Lubanski

Julia Eckhardt

Gabriella Farnese

Danielle Fleites

John Franklin

Victoria Franklin

Emily Freed

Marcy Friedman

Mario Garcell

Patty Gardner

Rachel Gooney

Mary Haynes-Chen

Thomas Healy

Julia Hernandez

Amanda Herzig

Emily Ibarra

Ben Janes

Katie Kinsella

Ryan Lees

Ray Liptak

Alissa Mahadeen

Terri Mahadeen

Maria Makris

Kathleen Marchetti

Jenna Martinez

Bill May

Katie Moniello

Steven Mowrey

Maryanne Murano

Megan Norton

Emily Ordona

Brendan Padover

Jack Payne

Christine Porcello

Katie Quigley

Shaun Rauschenberger

Diana Riestra

Natalie Dalla Riva

Vivian Rodeffer

Barbara Tucker Romaine

Alexander Rosa

Paul Ruffolo

Kassie Sarkar

Emma Scott

Harold Scott

Pat Scott

Peg Scott

Joseph Servidio

Ann Sharpe

Griffin Silverthorne

Kristin Stack

Daniel Stermer

Emma Stevens

Robyn Stevens

Tom Stewart

Janice Stickles

Joseph Stickles

RoseAnn Stivala

Matthew Striziver

Spencer Travers

Lauren Trusio

Eric Urban

Rachael Weisman

Alexandra Wertz

Anne Marie Wertz

Ronnie Wertz

Megan West

Roxy Wilcox

Steve Willenborg

Nicolas Zenobi

DonateAlthough the Relay event happens on June 13, the account for Relay For Life Of West Essex remains open until August. The American Cancer Society is putting donation dollars to work now, investing in groundbreaking cancer research and providing free information and services to cancer patients and their caregivers. They aren't just fighting one type of cancer, they are fighting for every person threatened by every cancer. All donations fuel their progress to end this disease. Anyone wishing to make a contribution to the Relay for Life Team of West Essex can do so ﻿online here﻿.

"Please come by to cheer on friends, family, groups or all of us. During the whole event, we'll have DJ 'd music by Rich and Tom. We'll also have fun events including local merchant demos," said Stickels, "in Karate, Zumba and Yoga and live entertainment by the Dapper Dans of Harmony. This year is a whole new year. It's time for our community to pull together and kick cancer to the curb once and for all."

Schedule of Events

Survivor Reception and Meet and Greet 12:30pm to 1pm

Opening Ceremony and Survivor Lap1pm to 1:30pm

Pace Institute Karate Demonstration 1:30pm to 1:45pm

Survivor and Caregiver Reception1:45pm to 2:15pm

Trivia Contest2pm to 2:30 pm

Hula Hoop Contest and Relay Race 2:30pm to 3pm

Scavenger Hunt3pm to 4pm

Spirit of Relay Ceremony4pm to 4:30pm

Water balloon toss4:30pm to 5pm

Zumba5pm to 6pm

Capture the flag and keep it up6pm to 6:30pm

Blind Taste Test 6:30pm to 7pm

Arts and Crafts6:30pm- 7:30pm

Balloon pop7pm to 7:30pm

Pie eating contest and Mummy wrap7:30pm to 8pm

Luminaria Ceremony including a Performance from the Dapper Dans of Harmony ~ a time to remember people we have lost to cancer, to support people who currently have cancer, and to honor people who have fought cancer in the past8pm to 9pm

Water gun Cup race and Sponge Launch9pm and 9:30pm

Obstacle Course9:30pm to 10pm

Firefly and extreme spoons game and manhunt10:30pm to 11:30 pm

Closing Ceremonies and Final Lap11:30pm to 12pm

"A must see is our Luminary Ceremony which will happen once it gets dark; this is a very moving time during our twelve-hour walk. If you've been touched in any way by cancer this is something to participate in. It's dark, its silent, and one by one,glow sticks are activated by request and memories and life event reflections happen," Stickels expressed.

Relay for LifeEach year, more than 4 million people in over 20 countries raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer through the Relay For Life movement. During a Relay event, participants and survivors celebrate what they've overcome, remember people who have been lost to the disease, and honor people who have fought or are fighting cancer. The event inspires Relay participants to take action against a disease that has taken too much.Relay for Life of West Essex 2016Teams for 2016 can sign up starting in September. Further InformationRelay for LifeRegional Coordinator Daniel Stermer973-232-2574Email

The market is a collaborative effort between the Roseland Farmers Market Committee, the Roseland Environmental Commission, the Roseland Green Team, and Sustainable Roseland. The market is open Rain or Shine on Fridays beginning June 12, and will continue weekly, from 12pm to 6pm, until Friday, Oct. 3.

Gone are the days of a farm market being "only" fresh from the garden fruits and vegetables. The Roseland Market offers the delicacies and products from 18 vendors. Many customers arrive during lunch time so they can enjoy their lunch while listening to live music.

Below is a listing of each vendor and their selections along with links to their online websites.

Fantastic Thai of Old BridgeFantastic Thai offers cuisine created by owner Chef Phensri who was born and raised in UdornThani, Thailand. Phensri's authentically prepared Thai dishes, including spring rolls, noodles, curries and BBQ Pork on-a-stick are made using herbs and vegetables from her own organic garden.

Credit: Carolyne Volpe Curley

Gourmet Nuts & Dried Fruit of DenvilleGourmet Nuts and Dried Fruit allows customers to mix and match anything they would like. With their large variety of nuts (raw, roasted, salted, unsalted, and countless flavors) they have a product to meet anyone's craving.

Le Petit Temptation of Scotch Plains Bringing a taste of Paris to New Jersey, Le Petit Temptation offers the finest macarons and handmade pastries created with passion and dedicated to bringing out the selected ingredient's intense flavor. They use only Valrhona chocolates and their fruits are supplied by Borion.

Live, Love, GranolaLive, Love, Granola is dedicated to providing healthy, preservative-free wholesome snacks, made with only 100% natural ingredients. They start with the basics: oats, almonds, honey and coconut and create a crunchy treat with a hint of sweetness.

Raritan Bakery of EdisonRaritan Bakery offers a vast array of breakfast foods, cakes, breads and pastries. Their award-winning Hungarian Nut Roll is often in high demand.

Stella's Empanadas Argentine Grill of KearnyStella maintains the Argentinean traditions of past generations and uses old fashion techniques to maintain the flavor and quality of empanadas, burgers and steaks which will delight your palate. She uses combinations of fresh herbs, spices, champagnes, wines, and fruits which result in a delectable and unique experience. Stella wasrecently featured on Telemundo NY.

Credit: Carolyne Volpe Curley

Tender Luvin Cupcakes of CaldwellFor more then 20 years, Aunt Laura's delicious cupcakes have been a family tradition as much as the holidays themselves. These delectable desserts come in both custom and petite shapes and are some of the best cupcakes you will ever taste!

Credit: Carolyne Volpe Curley

X-Calibur Knife and Scissor Sharpening of Wood RidgeScott Jennings uses state of the art water-cooled professional machines with both standard sharpening wheels and diamond wheels for high end beauty shears.

The class is geared for adults and will explore the many joys of yoga. Participants will experience how breathing synchronized with movement will warm the body and relax the mind. Attendees are asked to dress comfortably and bring their own mat.

Still AliceAlice Howland, played by Julianne Moore, is a renowned linguistics professor happily married with three grown children. All that begins to change when she strangely starts to forget words and more. When her doctor diagnoses her with Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease, Alice and her family's lives face a harrowing challenge as this terminal degenerative neurological ailment slowly progresses to an inevitable conclusion they all dread. Along the way, Alice struggles to not only to fight the inner decay, but to make the most of her remaining time to find the love and peace to make simply living worthwhile.